Computer was Stolen!

[blues008]

A computer was stolen in our office over the long weekend, and I was wondering if anyone had ideas on how to track it down, ie., I have the static IP address that it was using and a list of programs that were installed.

We've already reported it to the authorities.

Thanks in advance!

 

[RagingBITCH]

You didn't happen to install a homing device in it too? Because that would be pretty useful right about now.

EDIT: Seriously, there's pretty much nothing you can do unless they get on the net with some program/app on there and you can trace their ip

 

[notfred]

Buy a new one. It'll msot likely be formatted and none of that stuff yo usay you have will be there any more.

 

[Hammer]

you can report it to the manafacturer and how someone calls them trying to get the password from them or report a problem.

and uhhhh... that static ip address isn't gonna do you any good.

 

[Gunbuster]

Report the serial as stolen to the vendor, then hope a part breaks and they try to have warranty work done.

 

[CWebb04]

if they're willing to steal a whole computer, wouldn't they just go out and steal any parts they need too? I doubt they would call in for warranty...

 

[Modeps]

Static IP don't mean jack. Get the serial or gtfo.

 

[Bootprint]

Was it an inside job or a Break and Enter?

 

[blues008]

Thanks for all your help guys.

Door had a lock on it but no evidence of damage.

 

[BillyBatson]

Originally posted by: notfred
Buy a new one. It'll msot likely be formatted and none of that stuff yo usay you have will be there any more.

sadly this is true.

 

[Pepsei]

Originally posted by: Modeps
Static IP don't mean jack. Get the serial or gtfo.

MAC address may help, but even if you have it, it's like fishing in the ocean without any baits.

 

[satori]

Originally posted by: CWebb04
if they're willing to steal a whole computer, wouldn't they just go out and steal any parts they need too? I doubt they would call in for warranty...

Don't underestimate the stupidity of some thieves. A laptop at work was stolen about 4 years ago. They caught the guy a few weeks later after he brought it in for warranty service. I still remember this incident, 'cause I was one of the few people in the building at the time, so the police asked me some questions.

btw, to be specific, they caught him after he came in to pick up the laptop.

 

[yukichigai]

Yeah, the MAC address is about the only online thing you can track by. But the liklihood of you finding it is pretty minimal.

I would suggest that you have your net admin severely restrict all data access for that MAC address though. Depending on the nature of your business they might get the brilliant idea to use the software and whatnot on there to get more info from your network. Though it is a fairly long shot.

 

[Apathetic]

A static IP number won't help at all because the thief will have to change it to connect to the internet (unless you nad he share the same ISP).

If it's a Dell, Gateway, etc, call the vendor and report it stolen. Maybe they will be willing to contact you if someone tries to get maintenance on the machine.

Dave

 

[paruhd0x]

Don't forget that it'll probably be resold for cash. Probably take it apart and sell it piece by piece on ebay or the like. Goodluck catching the guy / getting your system back. I suggest surveillance cameras (they don't even need to be real, can get those fake ones that look like they go into the wall) to ward off this happening again.

 

[Kelemvor]

Have any security cameras around?

If it's being used outside the buliding, there's no real way to find it. Could try with the computer name but that's easily changed as well. Probably SoL would be my guess.

 

[Cashmoney995]

My dads company laptop reports IP back to the corporate server whenever it gets on the internet.

 

[dquan97]

Last night, I dreamt that my computer was stolen

 

[Ausm]

Kiss it goodbye...


Sysadmin